NASCAR fines, docks points from Hocevar and Berry for Martinsville incidents

NASCAR has fined and docked points from both Carson Hocevar and Josh Berry for brake-checking their competitors Sunday at Martinsville Speedway.

Hocevar was fined $100,000 and docked 25 driver points. As seen by the naked eye, and backed up by SMT data, Hocevar brake-checked Team Penske driver Austin Cindric multiple times in the second stage on Sunday, which severely damaged the front of Cindric’s car. Afterward, Hocevar never admitted intent, chalking it up to hard short-track racing and fun.

NASCAR issued the penalty under the actions detrimental to stock car racing section of the Rule Book and also cited “multiple violations of the code of conduct.” The penalty came after Spire Motorsports suspended its driver for the season finale because of the incident.

Hocevar issued a statement on social media that read, “This is an embarrassing day for me. I let the people down [who] gave me the opportunity of a lifetime to drive a Cup car. I also let down my team, sponsors, and fans. I crossed the line with my on-track actions and gave Jeff [Dickerson] and Spire Motorsports no option but to put someone else in the 77 car this weekend at Homestead. I’ll be rooting for the entire organization this weekend and look forward to coming back in 2027 as a better driver, competitor, and teammate.”

Berry, meanwhile, was fined $50,000 and docked 25 driver points for brake-checking Ryan Blaney off Turn 4 on lap 253. The incident, which occurred between alliance teammates, damaged the front of Blaney’s car before he spun in Turn 1 moments later. A frustrated Blaney said Berry had lost his mind and ended his day.

But Berry's defense was that they got together as he was trying to save his car from contact with Blaney.

NASCAR also cited the actions detrimental to stock car racing section of the Rule Book for Berry’s penalty.

Additionally, RFK Racing crew members James Price (rear changer) and Samuel Wright (jackman) have been suspended for the next two Cup Series races: Homestead-Miami Speedway and the Clash at Daytona in February. The penalty stems from the right-rear wheel coming off their driver Ryan Preece's car on lap 225.

A detached wheel is an automatic two-race suspension. Preece was also held for two laps during the event.